We just got back from Isla Margarita and absolutely loved it. The locals were extremely informative on teaching us about their island.We did the 4x4 jeep adventure and truely loved it.This is definitely a port that we would like to visit again.
We were in Isla de Margarita during the only day in 7 years that they had flooding!! What are the odds??? This is an arid Island which gets merely inches of rainfall per year and they got 4-5 inches in one morning!!!!
A don't miss excursion on Isla de Margarita is a trip through the Mangrove Reserve, it is sooo interesting and romantic! (even in the pouring rain! ) Don't miss a shark filled empanada there on the way out after riding in a boat, it is a wonderful Isla de Margarita treat!!
We were there early Dec 2005. Beautiful beach within a short walk from the ship. We could see it from our balcony. Rented a cabana $10 for the day and relaxed. Great sand no rocks or coral, could walk out a long way with gentle rolling seas. There were also venders on your walk to the beach for those who are shoppers! Great day!
Welcome to CLF!! We're a great bunch of cruisers here who are willing to answer or help you find your answers for anything about crusing
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Thanks a bunch !!! I feel very welcomed too
I did want to add that when you do come to the Port here at El Guamache (port name here ) there is no need to go into town unless you really want to. My friend Kris works there and she is american. There are a few other americans working there too that I know.
You can do these sorts of thing at the port beach. You can use jet skis, paddle boats, bannana boats and use the shaded lawn chairs there and have a drink too if you please.
Also you can swim at this beach and many tourists coming off the Ships usually do. Also there are about 150 booths with customs made crafts and jewelery so there is plenty of shopping to be done.
Here is what she wrote in regards to El Gumache elsewhere but I thought I'd add it here to give you all further information.
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I can tell that this is going to be a long post. My mother and I make jewelry with semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals. There are more jewelry vendors than anything else I think. Half of them buy their jewelry to resell and others handmake their things. There are booths right up front that are off to the side that are artisians that handmake everything they sell and are given extra attention. They switch out the vendors every so often to bring other artisians in.
I believe Murano glass is sold here. There is a building right up front that has a few stores in it. Go in there, and you'll find a store that sells glass. There are other vendors that sell other glass figurines (not Murano) and one lady even makes jewelry with glass pieces that she makes, too. She speaks English.
There was a guy last year who made leather items, but I'm not sure that he is there this year. Yesterday was our first day of the season, and I didn't see him. He made belts and fitted them to you while you waited. He had wallets and purses, too.
There are lots of ceramics and pottery. There is one lady who hand paints pottery that is made here on the island. The island is known for pottery. She paints hibiscus and other flowers in bright colors on her things. They are beautiful. She's closer to the end of the row under a big awning that is near the second bar I think it's booth #80. She speaks perfect english. There are several people who make Negritas, which are clay black women figurines in folk/tropical dresses carrying plates of fruit and veggies. The island is very popular for that.
Hammocks are made on the island, so you can get a really nice one for a decent price. I know of a booth that sells those. They are about 2/3 of the way down the avenue.
About 1/3 of the way down is a booth that sells handmade woven baskets. Some are collapsable, so you can pack them in your suitcase. They also have simple folk whistles and things that kids like a lot.
There is one guy who makes handmade cigars. I heard many men try his cigars and say that it was top quality. He sells individual cigars, too, so you can try one right there and decide if you want more. Some high government men come to the island to buy his cigars, so I guess they must be pretty good. He is up front with the artisian group. He speaks english.
Pearls are our specialty. Yes, the prices are correct and the quality is good. Many people think that because the prices are so low that they aren't real. They are. You can buy a lower quality strand of pearls for $6. Then there are higher qualities that go up from there. A good strand of pearls will cost you about $15-$20. There are lots of hematite jewelry, too. You can get those pretty cheap.
There are many booths that sell caps, beach towels, bags, sarongs, t-shirts, etc. There is one couple that sells handpainted t-shirts. They are about half way down the avenue. There is also another guy towards the end near the second bar. He paints nice, too. They both speak perfect english.
There is a saxophonist who plays his music and sells CD's. There is a guy who carves stone figurines. He speaks english.
I think I said most of what sells out there. I'm trying to remember. Oh! Beer, wine, vodka, and rum are sold at a store in the building at the front of the port. They also sell rum at either bar. I hope that helps. From what I have seen the people who handmake their items have their prices down pretty low. You MIGHT be able to get them to go lower, but it's doubtful. It's the people who buy items to resell out there that you can bargain with. They are more flexible. It used to be where everything that was sold out there had to be handmade, so most of the artisians have been selling there for years. They have learned to keep their prices low. So, keep your eye out. If it looks like the item can be sold at a better price, then ask. If the price seems fare, then that's probably their lowest price. A new rule we have this year is that everything has to be priced. Yeah! Have fun, and remember to stay in the shade!
Last night it was reported that Venezuelan President Chavez turned up the political tempo by saying that Pres. Bush is worst that Hitler and that his Venezuela's peoples should be armed to combat this.
The unfortunate thing is that Isla de Margarita may not be a place that Americans can go much longer due to the increasing political tensions.
I would not book a cruise with Isla Margarita on the itinerary. I do agree with those who enjoyed their visit there. We were there about 2 years ago and it surprised me. Liked it. But no way now. It makes no difference what one believes about our president or our government. Chavez is making remarks that are inciteful, nasty, and untrue - and threatening to the United States. He is stirring the pot and I would not want to be there when the pot boils. He is courting the American radicals, looking to Castro and Iran as allies and has expressed the desire to have nukes. Now I realize that is a dream on his part, but if he can work through Iran....well, think about it....Venezuela and Cuba are very close to our coast. Dangerous, very dangerous. I am really surprised that cruise lines are still making stops there. And I certainly do not want to give Venezuela any of my money.
Kathy-
Although we enjoyed our rather wet visit this last December, I would rethink the port in light of the current turn of political events. Unfortunately, I think we give our money to Venezuela each time we go to the gas pump, giving Chavez the resources to really be scary. Kinda rates up there with Libya as a Port!
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Love Isla de Margarita!!!!!!
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where is margarita
Welcome to CLF!! We're a great bunch of cruisers here who are willing to answer or help you find your answers for anything about crusing
) Don't miss a shark filled empanada there on the way out after riding in a boat, it is a wonderful Isla de Margarita treat!!
Political winds
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